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Tree Mallow
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Tree Mallow

Malva arborea

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameTree Mallow
DescriptionRobust biennial or short-lived perennial forming a woody-based shrub covered in large, hibiscus-like flowers from late spring through summer. The 2-3 inch blooms display soft pink to purple-pink petals with distinctive dark purple veins radiating from a deep magenta center, creating a striking contrast. Fast-growing and salt-tolerant, thriving in coastal gardens and Mediterranean climates where it creates impressive displays with minimal care.
FamilyMalvaceae
GenusMalva
TribeMalveae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr Epi(3) ⊕ ☿ K(5) C5 A(∞) G(∞)

Ebracteate (no bracts), Epicalyx present with 3 segments, Actinomorphic (radially symmetrical), bisexual, 5 fused sepals, 5 free petals, numerous stamens fused into column (monadelphous), numerous fused carpels arranged in ring with superior ovary typical of Malvaceae

Features
  • Name 'Mallow' derives from Latin 'malva,' an ancient name used since Roman times. 'Lavatera' honors Swiss naturalist brothers Johann Heinrich Lavater and Johann Caspar Lavater. 'Arborea' means tree-like in Latin, referring to its woody, shrubby growth habit
  • Large, funnel-shaped flowers 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) across with five broad, overlapping petals. Blooms display soft pink to purple-pink color with distinctive dark purple veins radiating from deep magenta center. Flowers arranged in clusters along stems, blooming continuously from late spring through summer
  • Biennial or short-lived perennial that forms woody-based shrub. First year produces vegetative growth, second year blooms profusely (May-September) then often dies, though may persist 2-3 years in mild climates. Self-seeds readily, ensuring continuous presence in garden
  • Grows 3-8 feet (90-240 cm) tall with 3-5 foot (90-150 cm) spread, forming large, bushy shrub. Lifespan of 1-3 years (biennial to short-lived perennial). Propagated easily from seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Fast-growing, reaching full size in one season
  • Native to Mediterranean region and Atlantic coasts of Western Europe, including coastal areas of Britain, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, and North Africa. Grows naturally on rocky cliffs, coastal scrub, and disturbed ground near the sea
  • Thrives in full sun with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Highly salt-tolerant, making it ideal for coastal gardens. Drought-tolerant once established. Prefers well-drained soil but adapts to poor, sandy, or rocky soils. Tolerates wind and salt spray
  • Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Deer resistant. Excellent for cottage gardens, coastal plantings, and Mediterranean-style landscapes. Flowers close at night and on cloudy days. Self-seeds readily but not invasively
  • Fast-growing screen or hedge plant. Tolerates pruning to maintain size and shape. May need staking in windy locations. Short-lived but self-perpetuating through seed. Performs poorly in humid, hot summers preferring cool coastal climates

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificMalva arborea
English (Alternate)Lavatera, Malva, Bush Mallow, Velvet Tree Mallow, Cornish Tree Mallow, Sea Lavatera
Hindiट्री मैलो (Tree Mallow)
Tamilசீமைத்துத்தி (Seemai Thuthi)
Teluguతతిరిబెండ (Tuteribenda)
Malayalamകാട്ടുപരത്തി (Malvaceae)
Kannadaಬಿಳಿಪಟ್ಟ (Bilipatta), ಕಾರ್ಕ್ ಬೆಂಡು (Kaark Bendu), ಸಮುದ್ರ ತೀರದತ್ತಿ (Samudra Theeradatthi)
Sanskritअर्कपुष्पि (Arkapushpi), स्थलोत्पलिनी (Sthalotpalini)
Bengaliবোলা (Bola), সমুদ্রজবা (Samudrajaba), ছেলবা (Chelaba)
FrenchMauve de Mauritanie, Grande Mauve
RussianМальва (Malva) or Просвирник (Prosvirnik)
Spanishmalva arbórea
GermanBaumförmige Strauchpappel

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.